hi i am a new member to this site, i am looking into getting a pup, i want a small dog (lap dog), i was thinking about a yorkie or westie. i have 3 children 8,9 and 10, all a very respectfull of animals so no worries that they will be too rough, i have found information on internet, but can anyone give me any advise, i do not want a dog which requires too much excersice, one which would be happy with a walk i.e. to and from school which is about a 1/2hr each way twice a day. i only work 2 mornings a week so would not be left for very long periods. also which sex would be best either one will be neutered/spayed. any advice would be appreciated. thanks in advance

Cavalier king charles spaniel, they are cute small friendly. It doesnt matter what sex but they do need to be neutered/spayed. Bitches tend to be more excitable.

get a dog all you can bond with breed not important so much it is the bonding

If you're after a small dog then a yorkie or westie is an ideal choice, one i will warn you about is a jack russell and they are not the best dog as they have a nasty temper we found that out as we had one and my sister was playing withit and it turned on her and bit her right through her top lip (put a hole in her lip) and they clamp their jaws shut so we couldn't get it off.The sex of dog to get is boys as they are alot more calm in nature as bitches are a lot harder to own.

Yorkies and particularly westies can actually be quite fiesty. My advice would be a Cavelier King Charles Spaniel they are sweet natured, usually excellent with children and real fun dogs. They are pretty willing to please and trainable too.I would go for a female and then speak to your vet about the best time to spay (they all have different opinions). Just make sure that you go to a good breeder who isn't just out for money. Get a pup who has been raised in a home rather than a kennel and don't get one from a pet shop. See the mother and make sure that you are happy with her temperament before you buy one of her puppies. Also go for the one in the litter that comes over to say hi but is also happy to go off and play with her littermates. Don't feel sorry for the runt and don't go for the bully. Caveilers do have some hereditry health problems, speak to the kennel club and fine out what they are and only but from a breeder who has done all the test for those problems (I think heart problems are the main one in this breed) and got good results on those tests. Finally, you and the breeder should politely quiz each other. Be confident to ask what they have done to socialise the pups and what they have done in their first few weeks and don't be offended by them asking you lots of questions about your lifestyle - it just means they care where their pup is going. A good breeder will also want to keep in touch and will be on-hand to offer advice throughout your pup's life.Good luck!

Rather than randomly naming breeds, I am giving you a link below that is very helpful.You simply enter the answers into the site and the site gives you suggestions on the best type of dog to considerhttp://www.petnet.com.au/dogselectapet.html

Yorkie's are not to good with children and although small, they don't care to be in the lap a whole lot. King Charles Spaniel and Shih-Tzu don't require as much exercise and will be content with short walks and indoor playing. Cavaliers like to be in the lap more than Shih-Tzu. Cavaliers shed much more than Shih-tzu. Shih-tzu are a little stubborn but also willing to learn. Both are great with children. Sex truly doesn't make a big difference. Girls are easier to dress if you plan on clothing your dog.

i would get a chihuahua because they are lil lap dogs that fit anywhere! and you dont even need that much space!!

You should get a Japanese Akita! Akita's are such a special breed, They have got to be the cleanest dogs on the planet, they don't even have a dog smell (fact by the way), They are very wise and are very good with children.

Yorkshire terriers are nice but are known to snap don't want that with kids i myself would go for a female westie female dogs do have a better tolerance with children . i have a Steffie had her from a pup and she his great with kids my granddaughter is 3 years and she plays with her they are a good dog and very loving. my granddaughters mum has a Steffie to and she is the same great with kids and everyone

Well i would say a westie , we had a yorkie wen my sister was about 3 and she was soo vicious towards her , she would always be hanging off her nappy and biting at her arms , we got rid of her about 5monthes later as my mum was scared that one day she would go for her face and leave her scard for life!! westies are the better out of the 2

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very good with children, they need very little grooming and are the smallest breed of spaniels. They are great fun and very affectionate and they don't need a great deal of exercise as far as dogs go. Of course all dogs need to be exercised regularly. I personally prefer dogs rather than bitches as you don't have any seasons to worry about plus they are in my opinion much more affectionate and loyal although I am sure some would disagree. I believe that bitches are usually a bit easier to train though. Westies are lovely dogs but I have known a couple of snappy ones where kids are concerned. Best of luck whatever dog you choose!By the way, neutering a cocker spaniel doesn't take anything away! They are just as full of life and personality after neutering!

Great idea to research first!I would recommend a Labrador, i know its not exactly small but its a great dog for children! Plus its energetic and loves to run about! Perfect for your lifestyle!If not, westies are lovely dogs, but i'm not sure they can manage a half hour walk!How about you check out this site?http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/searchcategories.htmclick on "breed selctor quiz"and then you answer a few questions- but be precise otherwise you'll end up with over 30 results!Good luck!

Originally Posted by Champ

You should get a Japanese Akita! Akita's are such a special breed, They have got to be the cleanest dogs on the planet, they don't even have a dog smell (fact by the way), They are very wise and are very good with children.

Your right they are great dogs, but the original poster wants quote "lap dog" unquote, an akita pup will be a lap dog for the first uh 14-16 weeks of its life and then it will start getting too big......so, ah.......No not an akita! To also be honest with you, they can be good with kids if the kids are more on the quiet calm side, if there are several young children in the household I would not noramlly recomend an Akita particuarly if the children have not had a dog yet, an Akita is not a good practice first family dog to have, you would be just asking for trouble.

Hello and Welcome,
Yorkie and things like that are good and Jack Russells are good too. This is to Alison K. She said some things about a Jack Russell that I don't really believe. I have had Jack Russells all my life and they are absolutely GREAT dogs! They make great mates!!! And for that Jack Russell to retaliate like that, she wouldv'e had to stir the heck out of it. If not they must of not made their dog very people friendly.
Anything from a Yorkie, Silky Terrier to a Westie and a Jack Russell they are all good dogs and I leave it up to you too choose. I hioe my advice helps you.

Good Luck finding the right dog for you,
Tiana